Alaska and Yukon Highlights

YOUR COMPLETE TAILORED HOLIDAY INCLUDES:

Our flagship Alaska programme is ideal for first time visitors to this region, giving a flavour of the major highlights! Visit some of the most spectacular and unspoilt national parks in North America, such as Denali, Kluane and Kenai Fjords National Parks.

Drive some of the most amazing highways in the world such as The ‘Top of The World’ Highway and the Klondike Highway.

Learn about the rich American native history in Alaska and experience the Gold Rush towns of Fairbanks, Dawson City and Skagway. Along the way you have the chance to see wonderful wildlife including Grizzly Bears, Moose and Killer Whales.

Alaska is quite unique and rightly so appeals to many of us for its rugged unspoilt beauty and abundance of wildlife that we very rarely see in our lifetimes. This itinerary gives you the best chance to savour all of this and as we have included details of recommended excursions, be sure to check the details on these as you read through this wonderful itinerary.

DISCOVER ALASKA YOUR WAY.

Take it as you see it or change it to suit. All C.N.A. holidays can be tailored to suit your own tastes & budget.

All our holidays offer complete financial protection and you will receive a uniquely personalised travelling pack to ensure you get the most from your adventure.

Day 1Anchorage Arrival

We do not recommend collection of your rental car at the airport on arrival. A hotel shuttle may be available, otherwise take one of the metered cabs (payable by yourselves locally) from the airport to your Anchorage hotel. Get a good night’s sleep and be ready for tomorrow!

Overnight – Anchorage

Day 2Anchorage to Denali National Park
237 miles.

This morning you will collect your rental car from a convenient downtown location rather than having to go back out to the airport, as is the case with many rental companies. Please ask about the additional cost for the in-car satellite navigation that will guide you along your route, many of our clients say Sat Nav – be it your own unit or a rented one – is an invaluable addition to any fly drive holiday and we would have to agree.

Drive the Glenn Highway north to Wasilla. Interesting stops along the Glenn Highway might be the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Eklutna Indian Village. In Wasilla you continue on the Parks Highway north towards Denali National Park. You drive through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Denali State Park. Possible side trip to the small gold mining community Talkeetna, famous for its special charm is available (not included).

Overnight – Denali

Day 3Denali

This morning enjoy a 6-8-hour bus tour into Denali National Park (approx. 53 miles/88km into the park, snack included). The park is inhabited by many different animal species. With some luck you may see bears, caribou, moose, sheep, wolves and a variety of birds. Mt. McKinley can be seen if the weather is clear today. (In shoulder seasons the duration of the bus tour will be shorter due to weather/ road conditions!)

The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can enjoy one of the optional activities at the park entrance area such as water rafting (not included).

Overnight – Denali

Day 4Denali to Fairbanks
125 miles

This morning continue driving on the Parks Highway north to Fairbanks. Accompanied by incredible forest and mountain landscape you drive through the communities Healy, Nenana and by the community Ester, an old mining camp. In Fairbanks visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North or enjoy a sternwheeler riverboat tour (not included).

Overnight – Fairbanks

Day 5Fairbanks to Tok
206 miles

Follow the Richardson & Alaska Highways east toward Tok. Just outside of Fairbanks you drive by North Pole, the home of North America’s Santa Claus.

Overnight – Tok

Day 6Tok to Dawson City
185 Miles

The Top of the World Highway (partly gravel road!) brings you through spectacular backcountry and gold mining areas. When the highway reaches its highest elevation incredible views into far reaching countryside open up. Before you reach Dawson City, you cross the Yukon River by state ferry. With arrival into historic gold rush town, Dawson City, you might feel you just landed in a different century – like entering a real life Wild West movie set. It is a well preserved, authentic frontier town lined with brightly coloured buildings and wooden boardwalks – tucked away in the Yukon wilderness. Today, Dawson City is in many ways just as it was at the height of the Gold Rush in 1898. It has been lovingly restored and is populated by colourful friendly characters ensuring that the memories of those fortune-seekers will never be forgotten and that visitors today have fun.

During the Gold Rush, Dawson was home to a wide assortment of casinos, beer halls and brothels — This evening be sure to visit the ever popular historic ‘Diamond Tooth Gerties’ gambling hall where you can play blackjack and take in a show.

Overnight – Dawson City

Day 7Dawson City
333 Miles

Spend today exploring the Klondike goldfields and enjoy the old Gold Rush atmosphere of Dawson City. Or take a drive up to Tombstone Territorial Park (approx 1.5 hours from Dawson City) and experience the start of the scenic Dempster Highway – Canada’s only all season public road to cross the Arctic Circle. The Dempster Highway runs north through Tombstone, making wildlife, birds and tundra walks accessible to even roadside explorers. Stop at Tombstone Interpretive centre and again at a vista point overlooking the North Klondike River valley where the jagged peaks of the Tombstone mountain range dominate the landscape.

Overnight – Dawson City

Day 8Dawson City to Whitehorse
333 Miles

Today you travel the Klondike Highway east to Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse.

Although a city, Whitehorse has a population of just 25,000 people and therefore has more the feeling of a town. It is set on a grid system (downtown is approx. 8 blocks by 18) with a classic main street and with the Yukon River flowing right through it, surrounded by endless mountains, lakes and boreal forest it is easy to see why it’s known as the Wilderness City.

Whitehorse was named by the gold miners in the late 1800’s who thought the rapids at nearby Miles Canyon looked like manes of charging white horses (the river has since been dammed – in the 1950’s).

Overnight – Whitehorse

Day 9Whitehorse to Skagway to Haines
109 miles + Ferry

Enjoy another spectacular drive today. Highlights include Emerald Lake, Carcross desert and the small community of Carcross. Later you will reach the highest elevation of the highway which is White Pass. Hundreds of stampeders climbed over this pass from Skagway to reach the promising Klondike gold fields in the late 1890s. Enjoy walking through Skagway’s historic downtown and optional excursions. Later today take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to Haines**.

** Please Note: The ferry schedule is subject to change. Ferry may not operate daily and departure times can vary! There is a possibility that clients drive from Whitehorse to Skagway on day 9, overnight in Skagway on day 9 and take the ferry to Haines in the morning of day 10!

Overnight – Haines

Day 10Haines to Haines Junction
146 miles

Take some more time to visit Haines and learn about its history. One of the unique areas near Haines is the Chilkat Valley and Bald eagle preserve. Especially in the fall and winter time, hundreds of bald eagles come to this valley.

Today’s drive takes you through this area and further north along the perimeter of Kluane National Park. Weather permitting you can enjoy impressive mountain scenery. In Haines Junction is the head quarter of the Kluane National Park. Please note that the park is not accessible by road. The best way to see parts of this park, including it’s magnificent glaciers, is with a flightseeing tour which is available from Haines Junction (highly recommended – not included).

Overnight – Haines Junction

Day 11Haines Junction to Tok
297 miles

Journey to the magnificent forest of coastal redwoods in Muir Woods, then cross the Golden Gate Bridge to arrive in the City by the Bay, San Francisco.

Overnight – Tok

Day 12Wasilla

Travel the Tok Cutoff through mountain and forest landscape to Glennallen, then continue on the scenic Glenn Highway to Wasilla. Highlights of the latter part of today’s route are the Matanuska Glacier and Matanuska River Valley. Guided glacier hikes and rafting tours are available. When you reach Palmer, visit the Musk Ox Farm or take a hike in the hidden but beautiful Hatcher Pass Area.

Overnight – Wasilla

Day 13Wasilla to Seward
167 miles

Drive the Glenn Highway south to Anchorage and continue on the Seward Highway. Outside of Anchorage travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm. Turnagain Arm is known for its tides and sometimes you can see Beluga whales or Dall Sheep along the highway. A great stop for lunch is the Alyeska Ski Resort/Girdwood. Here you can take the tram up Mt Alyeska. Another interesting stop might be Portage Glacier and its interesting visitor center. In Seward you might want to visit Exit Glacier and the Alaska SeaLife Centre.

Overnight – Seward

Day 14Seward to Anchorage
127 miles

This morning you have the possibility to take a wildlife and glacier cruise into scenic Kenai Fjords National Park. Then drive the Seward Highway back to Anchorage.

Your holiday includes

Exclusive travel documentation portfolio including personalised maps, itinerary and driver directions along with all applicable tickets and vouchers

Travel Insurance

This is essential and not included. Should you need to purchase cover, we offer comprehensive cover at an additional cost. Please contact us for details.

Additional Experiences

Our holidays are completely tailored to suit you. We would be happy to help you choose from a vast array of additional experiences that will enhance your North America holiday adventure.

These might include:

City tours

Helicopter flights

Sporting event tickets

Golf

Hiking

Rafting

Horseback riding

Restaurant reservations

There are many more, often quite unique to your chosen destination so please do ask.

Personalised Documentation

We prepare every travel pack individually. We want this to be the perfect travelling companion for your adventure and to offer you all the information you need. Your personally prepared ring-bound travel itinerary booklet is detailed and is designed to serve as a wonderful reminder of your experiences for years to come when you return.

Awesome Alaska

The beauty and awe of Denali National Park, a Fjord cruise in Seward, humpback whales and sea lions in Valdez, a seaplane ride in Chitina, this 14 night fly drive is a superb way to see the best of Alaska.

Vancouver to Anchorage Cruise

This 6 Star Alaska cruise, beginning in Vancouver with Regent Seven Seas, will take you down the Alaskan fjords visiting the likes of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and much more. With Regent all of your excursions are included as well all drinks.

In most circumstances, no visa is required for travel to the USA for any British Citizen passport holder and many other European passport holders, whose countries qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program permits entry for up to 90 days for business or leisure purposes. Everyone must apply to use the VWP via the online Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA). Advice states this should be done online at least 72 hours prior to departure. On payment of the $14 fee this system usually issues an electronic confirmation within minutes but this is not guaranteed and there are certain criteria travellers must consider before applying via ESTA to use the Visa Waiver Program. Once granted the VWP authorization is valid for 2 years.

It is essential that everyone who plans to travel to the United States reads the information contained on the following page – Visa Waiver Program

Please note : From 21st January 2016 The United States implemented changes to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as part of the Terrorist Travel Protection Act of 2015. One of the major changes implemented in January excludes any British National who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 01st 2011 from using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Full details are contained on the above link but those affected will need to apply for a Visitor Visa with the U.S. Embassy before booking their travel arrangements.

You are advised to complete your ESTA prior to confirming any travel arrangements.

Complete North America Limited cannot be held responsible for cancellation charges incurred by travellers who have booked travel and are subsequently unable to travel as part of the VWP or who are unable to obtain a Visitor Visa. If you have any questions after reading the information supplied above please speak to a member of our team.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

British Nationals and travellers from other European countries can enjoy visa-exempt travel to and via Canada but must first use the online Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at a cost of CA$7.00 per person. Most online applications are approved with minutes by email but the process can take longer particularly if supporting documentation is requested. An eTA is valid for 5 years and allows you to travel for up to 6 months on any one visit.

You are advised to apply for your eTA prior to confirming any travel arrangements.

Complete North America Limited cannot be held responsible for cancellation charges incurred by travellers who have booked travel and are subsequently unable to travel as part of the eTA scheme or who are unable to obtain a Visitor Visa. If you have any questions after reading the information supplied above please speak to a member of our team.

Our holidays are too personalised and hand-crafted to book online. Please call during our office hours or provide us with some information below and we will get right on it so we can help you discover your next adventure.

4. WHAT IS YOUR APPROXIMATE BUDGETED TOTAL HOLIDAY COST

< £5,000

<5k

5. YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS

6. How did you find us?

Alaska is quite unique and rightly so appeals to many of us for its rugged unspoilt beauty and abundance of wildlife that we very rarely see in our lifetimes. This itinerary gives you the best chance to savour all of this and as we have included details of recommended excursions, be sure to check the details on these as you read through this wonderful itinerary.

Day 1Anchorage Arrival

We do not recommend collection of your rental car at the airport on arrival. A hotel shuttle may be available, otherwise take one of the metered cabs (payable by yourselves locally) from the airport to your Anchorage hotel. Get a good night’s sleep and be ready for tomorrow!

Overnight – Anchorage

Day 2Anchorage to Denali National Park
237 miles.

This morning you will collect your rental car from a convenient downtown location rather than having to go back out to the airport, as is the case with many rental companies. Please ask about the additional cost for the in-car satellite navigation that will guide you along your route, many of our clients say Sat Nav – be it your own unit or a rented one – is an invaluable addition to any fly drive holiday and we would have to agree.

Drive the Glenn Highway north to Wasilla. Interesting stops along the Glenn Highway might be the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Eklutna Indian Village. In Wasilla you continue on the Parks Highway north towards Denali National Park. You drive through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Denali State Park. Possible side trip to the small gold mining community Talkeetna, famous for its special charm is available (not included).

Overnight – Denali

Day 3Denali

This morning enjoy a 6-8-hour bus tour into Denali National Park (approx. 53 miles/88km into the park, snack included). The park is inhabited by many different animal species. With some luck you may see bears, caribou, moose, sheep, wolves and a variety of birds. Mt. McKinley can be seen if the weather is clear today. (In shoulder seasons the duration of the bus tour will be shorter due to weather/ road conditions!)

The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can enjoy one of the optional activities at the park entrance area such as water rafting (not included).

Overnight – Denali

Day 4Denali to Fairbanks
125 miles

This morning continue driving on the Parks Highway north to Fairbanks. Accompanied by incredible forest and mountain landscape you drive through the communities Healy, Nenana and by the community Ester, an old mining camp. In Fairbanks visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North or enjoy a sternwheeler riverboat tour (not included).

Overnight – Fairbanks

Day 5Fairbanks to Tok
206 miles

Follow the Richardson & Alaska Highways east toward Tok. Just outside of Fairbanks you drive by North Pole, the home of North America’s Santa Claus.

Overnight – Tok

Day 6Tok to Dawson City
185 Miles

The Top of the World Highway (partly gravel road!) brings you through spectacular backcountry and gold mining areas. When the highway reaches its highest elevation incredible views into far reaching countryside open up. Before you reach Dawson City, you cross the Yukon River by state ferry. With arrival into historic gold rush town, Dawson City, you might feel you just landed in a different century – like entering a real life Wild West movie set. It is a well preserved, authentic frontier town lined with brightly coloured buildings and wooden boardwalks – tucked away in the Yukon wilderness. Today, Dawson City is in many ways just as it was at the height of the Gold Rush in 1898. It has been lovingly restored and is populated by colourful friendly characters ensuring that the memories of those fortune-seekers will never be forgotten and that visitors today have fun.

During the Gold Rush, Dawson was home to a wide assortment of casinos, beer halls and brothels — This evening be sure to visit the ever popular historic ‘Diamond Tooth Gerties’ gambling hall where you can play blackjack and take in a show.

Overnight – Dawson City

Day 7Dawson City
333 Miles

Spend today exploring the Klondike goldfields and enjoy the old Gold Rush atmosphere of Dawson City. Or take a drive up to Tombstone Territorial Park (approx 1.5 hours from Dawson City) and experience the start of the scenic Dempster Highway – Canada’s only all season public road to cross the Arctic Circle. The Dempster Highway runs north through Tombstone, making wildlife, birds and tundra walks accessible to even roadside explorers. Stop at Tombstone Interpretive centre and again at a vista point overlooking the North Klondike River valley where the jagged peaks of the Tombstone mountain range dominate the landscape.

Overnight – Dawson City

Day 8Dawson City to Whitehorse
333 Miles

Today you travel the Klondike Highway east to Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse.

Although a city, Whitehorse has a population of just 25,000 people and therefore has more the feeling of a town. It is set on a grid system (downtown is approx. 8 blocks by 18) with a classic main street and with the Yukon River flowing right through it, surrounded by endless mountains, lakes and boreal forest it is easy to see why it’s known as the Wilderness City.

Whitehorse was named by the gold miners in the late 1800’s who thought the rapids at nearby Miles Canyon looked like manes of charging white horses (the river has since been dammed – in the 1950’s).

Overnight – Whitehorse

Day 9Whitehorse to Skagway to Haines
109 miles + Ferry

Enjoy another spectacular drive today. Highlights include Emerald Lake, Carcross desert and the small community of Carcross. Later you will reach the highest elevation of the highway which is White Pass. Hundreds of stampeders climbed over this pass from Skagway to reach the promising Klondike gold fields in the late 1890s. Enjoy walking through Skagway’s historic downtown and optional excursions. Later today take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to Haines**.

** Please Note: The ferry schedule is subject to change. Ferry may not operate daily and departure times can vary! There is a possibility that clients drive from Whitehorse to Skagway on day 9, overnight in Skagway on day 9 and take the ferry to Haines in the morning of day 10!

Overnight – Haines

Day 10Haines to Haines Junction
146 miles

Take some more time to visit Haines and learn about its history. One of the unique areas near Haines is the Chilkat Valley and Bald eagle preserve. Especially in the fall and winter time, hundreds of bald eagles come to this valley.

Today’s drive takes you through this area and further north along the perimeter of Kluane National Park. Weather permitting you can enjoy impressive mountain scenery. In Haines Junction is the head quarter of the Kluane National Park. Please note that the park is not accessible by road. The best way to see parts of this park, including it’s magnificent glaciers, is with a flightseeing tour which is available from Haines Junction (highly recommended – not included).

Overnight – Haines Junction

Day 11Haines Junction to Tok
297 miles

Journey to the magnificent forest of coastal redwoods in Muir Woods, then cross the Golden Gate Bridge to arrive in the City by the Bay, San Francisco.

Overnight – Tok

Day 12Wasilla

Travel the Tok Cutoff through mountain and forest landscape to Glennallen, then continue on the scenic Glenn Highway to Wasilla. Highlights of the latter part of today’s route are the Matanuska Glacier and Matanuska River Valley. Guided glacier hikes and rafting tours are available. When you reach Palmer, visit the Musk Ox Farm or take a hike in the hidden but beautiful Hatcher Pass Area.

Overnight – Wasilla

Day 13Wasilla to Seward
167 miles

Drive the Glenn Highway south to Anchorage and continue on the Seward Highway. Outside of Anchorage travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm. Turnagain Arm is known for its tides and sometimes you can see Beluga whales or Dall Sheep along the highway. A great stop for lunch is the Alyeska Ski Resort/Girdwood. Here you can take the tram up Mt Alyeska. Another interesting stop might be Portage Glacier and its interesting visitor center. In Seward you might want to visit Exit Glacier and the Alaska SeaLife Centre.

Overnight – Seward

Day 14Seward to Anchorage
127 miles

This morning you have the possibility to take a wildlife and glacier cruise into scenic Kenai Fjords National Park. Then drive the Seward Highway back to Anchorage.

Your holiday includes

Exclusive travel documentation portfolio including personalised maps, itinerary and driver directions along with all applicable tickets and vouchers

Travel Insurance

This is essential and not included. Should you need to purchase cover, we offer comprehensive cover at an additional cost. Please contact us for details.

Additional Experiences

Our holidays are completely tailored to suit you. We would be happy to help you choose from a vast array of additional experiences that will enhance your North America holiday adventure.

These might include:

City tours

Helicopter flights

Sporting event tickets

Golf

Hiking

Rafting

Horseback riding

Restaurant reservations

There are many more, often quite unique to your chosen destination so please do ask.

Personalised Documentation

We prepare every travel pack individually. We want this to be the perfect travelling companion for your adventure and to offer you all the information you need. Your personally prepared ring-bound travel itinerary booklet is detailed and is designed to serve as a wonderful reminder of your experiences for years to come when you return.

Awesome Alaska

PRICES FROM £3399

The beauty and awe of Denali National Park, a Fjord cruise in Seward, humpback whales and sea lions in Valdez, a seaplane ride in Chitina, this 14 night fly drive is a superb way to see the best of Alaska.

Yes Yukon

PRICES FROM £3099

Vancouver to Anchorage Cruise

PRICES FROM £4699

This 6 Star Alaska cruise, beginning in Vancouver with Regent Seven Seas, will take you down the Alaskan fjords visiting the likes of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and much more. With Regent all of your excursions are included as well all drinks.

In most circumstances, no visa is required for travel to the USA for any British Citizen passport holder and many other European passport holders, whose countries qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program permits entry for up to 90 days for business or leisure purposes. Everyone must apply to use the VWP via the online Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA). Advice states this should be done online at least 72 hours prior to departure. On payment of the $14 fee this system usually issues an electronic confirmation within minutes but this is not guaranteed and there are certain criteria travellers must consider before applying via ESTA to use the Visa Waiver Program. Once granted the VWP authorization is valid for 2 years.

It is essential that everyone who plans to travel to the United States reads the information contained on the following page – Visa Waiver Program

Please note : From 21st January 2016 The United States implemented changes to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as part of the Terrorist Travel Protection Act of 2015. One of the major changes implemented in January excludes any British National who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 01st 2011 from using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Full details are contained on the above link but those affected will need to apply for a Visitor Visa with the U.S. Embassy before booking their travel arrangements.

You are advised to complete your ESTA prior to confirming any travel arrangements.

Complete North America Limited cannot be held responsible for cancellation charges incurred by travellers who have booked travel and are subsequently unable to travel as part of the VWP or who are unable to obtain a Visitor Visa. If you have any questions after reading the information supplied above please speak to a member of our team.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

British Nationals and travellers from other European countries can enjoy visa-exempt travel to and via Canada but must first use the online Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at a cost of CA$7.00 per person. Most online applications are approved with minutes by email but the process can take longer particularly if supporting documentation is requested. An eTA is valid for 5 years and allows you to travel for up to 6 months on any one visit.

You are advised to apply for your eTA prior to confirming any travel arrangements.

Complete North America Limited cannot be held responsible for cancellation charges incurred by travellers who have booked travel and are subsequently unable to travel as part of the eTA scheme or who are unable to obtain a Visitor Visa. If you have any questions after reading the information supplied above please speak to a member of our team.

Our holidays are too personalised and hand-crafted to book online. Please call during our office hours or provide us with some information below and we will get right on it so we can help you discover your next adventure.

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Package holidays are sold by Complete North America as an agent for Hays Tour Operating Ltd, ATOL 10531.
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